Residents at Eldercare retirement living sites across South Australia have today commenced a one month pilot study of a new mobile-based personal safety device designed to enhance retirees' independence and wellbeing.

Eldercare Retirement Living Manager Julie Capozza said the 'Guardian' safety system, designed by Australian company Edisse, combined watch, voice to voice communication and Global Positioning System (GPS) technology.

“The 'Guardian' is a discreet personal safety system that looks just like a watch and, best of all, can be worn anywhere – both indoors and outdoors,” Mrs Capozza said.

“If a resident requires assistance, all they need to do is press a button on the device which alerts specified carers within their support network.

“The alert enables direct voice to voice communication so the wearer can tell their carer what’s happening so help comes quickly.”

Mrs Capozza said the 'Guardian' safety system pilot study was launched at a special lunch time event attended by Eldercare retirement living residents as well as Edisse and Hills Innovation Centre representatives.

“Eldercare is excited to be partnering with Edisse for this pilot study and we thank our residents for welcoming the trial of this state-of-the-art technology,” Mrs Capozza said.

“We are committed to ensuring we remain at the forefront of the industry by embracing technological innovation which we think can bring greater peace of mind to residents, their families and friends.”

Mrs Capozza said the watch was battery powered and came with an easy to use charging dock so residents could recharge its power supply every week.

The one-month ‘Guardian’ pilot study began today and is supported and funded by the Hills Innovation Centre in South Australia.